How to Fold an Easy Traditional Origami Swan
Do you love the grace of swans and how they move so gracefully? If so, folding an origami swan is a perfect way to capture this image in paper form.
Swans are cherished in Japan for their lifelong pair bonding and elegant movements, qualities that make the origami swan a popular project both in Japan and around the world.
This model is fantastic for beginners and fun for all ages, requiring only simple mountain and valley folds to achieve a beautifully angular and abstract representation of a swan.
Whether you’re using plain white paper to echo the swan’s purity or opting for a beautiful patterned paper, this traditional origami swan is a lovely way to spend less than five minutes adding a touch of tranquility to your day.
Traditional Origami Swan Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Super Easy – Beginner Level 1
- Folding time: Less than 5 minutes
- Model designer: Traditional
- Paper: Kami 15×15 cm
Step 1
Start with the white side facing up in a diamond position. Fold in half diagonally and unfold.
Here, I’m using chiyogami (patterned paper), so I want the pattern to face down.
Step 2
Fold the bottom edges to the centerline. Then, turn the paper over.
Step 3
Fold the bottom edges to the centerline again.
Step 4
Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner.
Step 5
Fold the top flap corner down along the dotted line. The crease should align where the colored side meets the white side.
Step 6
Fold the model in half behind itself, from left to right.
Step 7
Pull the swan’s neck upward, adjust the angle to your liking, and flatten the paper.
Step 8
Do the same for the swan’s head—lift it up, adjust the angle to your liking, and flatten.
The Completed Origami Swan
🦢 Folding tip: While this isn’t part of the traditional model, you can pleat the tip of the head to create a beak like the image above.
Well done! You’ve just folded your very own paper swan.
If you’d like to shape it further, check out our reel:
This traditional origami swan will bring a sense of peace wherever it’s placed. It’s perfect for decorating your space or gifting it to someone special.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial as much as I loved guiding you through it. Feel free to share your models with us in the comments or on social media. Happy folding!
Download the Full Origami Swan Printable PDF Instructions
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Watch the Origami Swan Video Tutorial
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There is a missing step between step 6 and 7 for folding the swan’s head.
Hi there! The steps seem good to me. You just fold the model in half and then pull the neck upwards. I’ve also added a link to our reel to help you shape it further. You can find it after the steps.